Los Angeles Role of the Judge

Los Angeles Judges: Their Vital Role in Criminal Cases

Judges in Los Angeles criminal courts have a hugely important job. They make decisions that impact people’s lives every single day. Let’s take a look at what exactly their role is and why it matters so much.

Interpreting the Law

One of the main jobs of a judge in a criminal trial is to interpret the law. They need to understand all the complex legal rules and precedents that apply to each case. When lawyers present arguments, the judge has to decide if those arguments correctly apply the law or not. This role is crucial because laws can often be confusing or have multiple interpretations. The judge acts as the referee to determine the right way to understand and apply the law in each case.

For example, if a defense lawyer argues that certain evidence should be excluded under the 4th Amendment, the judge has to review the specifics of that situation and rule if the 4th Amendment actually applies there or not. Their interpretation of the law then decides if that evidence can be used at trial. Judges have to make complex rulings like this before and during trials on a daily basis.

Reviewing Evidence

Another big part of a criminal judge’s role is to review all the evidence and determine what can be presented at trial. Prosecutors and defense attorneys will often dispute certain pieces of evidence. It’s up to the judge to settle these disputes and issue rulings on what evidence the jury can and cannot see.

For instance, if the prosecution wants to present a suspect’s previous criminal record, the defense will likely object that this evidence would unfairly bias the jury. The judge then has to weigh both sides and decide if the past crimes are relevant to this case or if they would improperly sway the jury. Rulings on evidence like this shape the narratives presented at trial.

Refereeing Courtroom Procedure

Judges also serve as referees to manage how hearings and trials proceed. They oversee and regulate proper courtroom behavior and procedure. If one attorney begins questioning a witness in an inappropriate way, the judge can step in and stop it. If one side presents an argument completely unrelated to the case, the judge can shut it down. Their oversight keeps things fair and orderly.

Judges also manage the schedule and flow of cases. They set deadlines for motions and filings. They decide the order in which witnesses testify. Judges keep things moving forward efficiently while also allowing both sides to fully make their case under the rules.

Making Other Legal Rulings

In addition to evidence and procedure, judges rule on many other aspects of the legal process. Attorneys can file motions asking the judge to decide all kinds of issues, like:

• Whether a defendant should be let out on bail or not
• If certain charges should be dismissed before trial
• Allowing an attorney to withdraw from a case
• Delaying a trial date if more time is needed to prepare
• And many other motions

Rulings on these motions shape the entire course of the case leading up to the trial. Judges have to take each one seriously and make decisions based on the law.

Presiding Over the Trial

At trial, the judge manages all the action. They oversee the selection of the jury, opening statements, witness testimony, lawyer objections, and closing arguments. The judge makes sure each phase flows properly and both sides follow the rules. If the attorneys or jury have any questions during the trial, they direct them to the judge.

The judge also instructs the jury before they deliberate, explaining the relevant charges and laws they must consider while reaching a verdict. Additionally, the judge decides what evidence the jury can review and the response when a jury asks questions during deliberation.

Sentencing

If a defendant is found guilty, the judge is then responsible for determining the appropriate sentence. Laws provide sentencing ranges for different crimes. The judge must weigh factors like the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and any mitigating circumstances. Based on all this, they hand down an appropriate punishment, whether it’s probation, jail time, or prison.

Judges must follow sentencing laws, but generally have discretion to impose sentences within the set ranges. Their judgments significantly impact how long defendants spend incarcerated versus returning to the community. Sentencing is an immense responsibility.

Why the Judge’s Role Matters

As we can see, judges make hugely consequential decisions at every phase of a criminal case. Their rulings directly impact people’s lives and liberty. That’s why it’s so important that judges be ethical, fair, and impartial as they carry out their duties. Even when the facts of a case seem clear, the judge must set aside any biases and evaluate the law and evidence objectively. Each case must be handled according to the highest standards of justice.

The integrity of our entire legal system depends on judges properly fulfilling their role. When judges abuse their power or make decisions based on improper motives, it corrodes public trust and causes immeasurable harm. But when judges live up to the ideals of their position, they help ensure that justice is served in every case.

So next time you’re in court, take a moment to appreciate the huge responsibility placed on the judge’s shoulders. Their rulings shape the legal process from start to finish. The lives of defendants, victims, families, and communities are impacted by the sound judgments of ethical judges. Their role is absolutely vital to achieving justice.

Key Facts on Los Angeles Judges

Let’s look at some key facts on the judges who serve in Los Angeles County criminal courts:

• There are currently 583 judicial officers serving on the Los Angeles Superior Court.
• The Presiding Judge who oversees the court is Judge Samantha Jessner.
• Superior court judges serve six-year terms and are elected by Los Angeles County voters.
• When vacancies occur, the Governor appoints new judges who then must run in the next election.
• To become a judge, an individual must have been a practicing attorney in California for at least 10 years or previously served as a California judge.
• Los Angeles Superior Court operates 37 courthouses across LA County and has an annual budget over $1 billion.

This gives you a sense of the scale of the court system and the judges who make it run. There are nearly 600 judges working across LA County and handling thousands of cases. Each judge carries the same immense responsibilities outlined above.

Notable LA Judges

Some current and former Los Angeles Superior Court judges deserve special mention:

• Judge Samantha Jessner – The current Presiding Judge who oversees the entire LA Court system.
• Judge Lance Ito – Presided over the famous OJ Simpson murder trial in 1995.
• Judge Larry Fidler – Presided over Phil Spector’s murder trial.
• Judge Lance A. Ito – Oversaw the manslaughter trial of Suge Knight.
• Judge Elden Fox – Presided over the murder trial of music producer Phil Spector.

These judges handled some of the highest profile cases in LA’s history. Their rulings significantly impacted the outcomes and public perception of these trials.

Judicial Independence

It’s important to note that California judges act independently in their rulings. While they run in elections, campaigns are nonpartisan and judges do not run on political platforms. This allows them to follow the law impartially without partisan pressures. Once elected, judges are generally free to interpret laws and make judgments based on their best understanding of the law and facts of each case.

Of course judges are human and no one is perfectly objective. But the principle of judicial independence aims to allow unbiased rulings based on the merits of each case. Attorneys can request to disqualify a judge they believe is acting with clear bias. Overall, the system seeks judges who rule fairly and impartially.

Conclusion

Los Angeles judges hold an extremely influential position. Their judgments directly impact people’s lives and shape public perceptions of the legal system. This article reviewed the many critical roles judges play in criminal cases and why those duties are so important. We also looked at key facts on LA Superior Court judges as well as a few notable judges from famous trials.

While judges have shortcomings like anyone, most seek to uphold the highest ideals of justice and integrity. Despite the pressures and complexities, LA judges continue working each day to ensure fair outcomes in each case.